Dr. Lim cites progress in farewell address

February 19, 2018

When Henry W. Lim, MD, took office in 2017, he pledged to position the specialty to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing health care environment and continue the Academy’s mission as the unified voice of dermatology.

“I can report that we have made tangible progress on both,” he said in his farewell address Sunday.

A rapid response team has dealt with more than 180 complaints regarding scope of practice and truth in advertising in the past year and is working with state societies to resolve violations.

A membership poll found that although 75% of members recognize the importance of ongoing education and evaluation of competence, the majority does not support Maintenance of Certification as it’s currently configured.

“We have shared these results with the ABD and the American Board of Medical Specialties,” Dr. Lim reported. “The ABMS is now convening a commission to critically evaluate the current recertification process.”

The Academy has already convinced Anthem to reduce its modifier 25 reduction from 50% to 25% and to delay implementation.

“We are working aggressively to achieve a complete reversal of this unjustifiable decrease,” he said.

The Academy has also formed a work group with the Association of Professors of Dermatology, the Society for Investigative Dermatology, and the Skin of Color Society to address diversity.

“As I complete my term, I am fully confident that our Academy and our specialty are in good hands,” he said. “We have elected superb leaders. Together, we can continue to make our Academy and the specialty the best it can be in service to our members and, most of all, to our patients.”